TY - JOUR TI - Utilizing contact-based interventions for the reduction of mental health stigma in persons of Haitian descent DO - https://doi.org/doi:10.7282/t3-s1et-sr25 PY - 2020 AB - Purpose: To implement a contact-based intervention and observe its effects on mental health stigma in those of Haitian descent and reduce stigma. Contact- based interventions are meant to reduce stigma by having individuals with mental illness speak to the public about their experience, both struggles and successes that they face (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine [NASEM], 2016). This type of intervention can entail either face to face contact or audio/visual media, such as a video. It is suggested that this intervention has been an effective way to reduce stigma towards mental health (NASM,2016). Methodology: This is a quasi-experimental study design. Participants were given the Stigma 9 questionnaire (Stig-9), a validated stigma assessment tool, before and after the implementation of a contact-based intervention. Results: The contact-based intervention was associated with a decline in mental health stigma. However, the results were not statistically significant due to the small sample size obtained. Implications for Practice: Reducing stigma in the Haitian community is needed in order to encourage and improve conversations regarding mental health with healthcare providers. Eliminating this barrier can contribute to early detection of mental illnesses and timely delivery of care if needed. Because of the positive correlation between using a contact-based intervention and the reduction of mental health stigma in this single community, there is reason to implement this intervention to other communities as well. KW - Contact-based interventions KW - Haitians -- Mental health KW - Adult-Gerontology Primary Care Nurse Practitioner LA - English ER -